4 Things that Will Happen when You Go on a Romantic Weekend Away--Alone

by Gena Kaufman

A romantic weekend in a lovely beach front hotel room sounds like just what most of us need about this freezing and bleak time of year, right? Well, I was lucky enough to get just that this past weekend, but with my usual life twist: I did it alone.

I headed down to Florida for the Uncorked Festival, a two-day extravaganza of wine, beer, and food sampling on the sugar sand beaches of Clearwater at the Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa. And while the event was crowded and lively enough for anyone to enjoy, there was certainly romance in the air. I met couples celebrating birthdays and an early Valentine's Day, and heard rumors of a pre-festival engagement on the beach. For me, there was a lot of good wine and a big king-sized bed, both of which are almost better when you have them all to yourself.

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I'm not afraid to travel alone, but it is different to be a solo traveler on this type of couple-centric vacation. I highly recommend doing it at least once in your life, and here are a few things you can expect to happen if you do:

All couples will ask you to take their picture. Some even returned the favor and offer to take mine, which I declined because I felt idiotic taking a picture alone. But I was actually excited to help capture the happy couples in front of a sunset over the water, because they were adorable.

You'll make a lot of observations about couple's behavior. Like how couples help each other navigate the crowds and hold each other's wineglasses so the other can grab them some delicious samples of paella. Total advantage over being on your own! Or one thing that made me giggle: The hotel's Sandava Spa's manager told me that although they have a beautiful room for couples' massages and other treatments…most couples actually request separate rooms. Ha! Even the happiest twosomes need some time alone to relax, you guys.

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People are really sweet to you. I swear, all weekend long, people said the nicest things to me, and not just because I was wearing my compliments-guaranteed jacket with the sequined sleeves. It's like people know you might need an extra burst of encouragement when you're feeling a tiny bit out of place, and it's appreciated.

There will be a few accidentally embarrassing moments. Like when I was behind a group of four women waiting to be seated for breakfast, and the hostess said, "Party of five?"The women all turned around with confused looks on their faces and then everyone realized what's happened and then they gently laughed and asked if I do want to join them. (See, I told you people would be nice). Whoops! But I just held my head high and enjoyed spreading my newspaper all over my table for one. (Though I truly appreciated those sweet ladies' offer!)

Have you ever done a weekend getaway by yourself? Would you? I'm totally inspired to do more! It's such a nice break from your usual routine, and honestly, it's kind of fun to explore and relax on your own.

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